president obama called the house speaker to discuss ways to prevent huge tax increases and spending cuts in january. congress' joint economic committee will hold talks today. >> propofol hockey is returning to the verizon center for one night. tonight the admirals' of norfolk will play. -- professional hockey is returning. there are signs the ice could be thawing between players and owners. both sides sound optimistic the season can be salvaged. talks will continue today. the work stoppage has wiped out all games through december 14 as well as the new year's day winter classic and the all-star game. >> same-sex marriage licenses will be issued starting today and several maryland counties. couple will be able to get married starting on january 1. some counties that have confirmed they will begin issuing licenses today include anne arundel frederick, and montgomery. maryland maine, and washington became the first states to pass a same-sex marriage by popular vote. washington state same-sex marriage law takes effect today. the governor signed the law during a ceremony at the state capital.